Are you looking for a warm lunch or something to eat for dinner after a long day of work? You will surely find something to suit you in the numerous Bangladeshi restaurants throughout the UK. No matter where you go, you won't want to miss these delicious dishes once you've tasted them.
Do not worry; we have you covered! We've listed 9 must-try Bangladeshi dishes you can order in the UK. These will surely impress you on your next weekend adventure.
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Shorshe Ilish
The most popular fish in Bangladesh is the ilish. It is the national fish of Bangladesh. It gets exported to many other countries from Bangladesh. One of the best dishes made with Ilish is shorshe ilish.
This mustard is cooked slowly with various spices and tastes great for both heat lovers and those with intolerances. It is reduced to a gravy-like consistency, then the fish is added, and it is cooked till the fish is tender. This fantastic dish is easily available for online ordering.
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Beef Kala Bhuna
Kala bhuna is a popular Bengali dish. It contains a genius combination of beef, onion and several other spices such as cumin, ginger, garlic, and chilli. The dish is typically cooked for an extended period to achieve its characteristic black colour. It is an old dish from the eastern part of Bangladesh. However, the spiciness of it has gained popularity nationwide.
It is typically served with pulao, roti and plain rice most of the time. Kala bhuna is typically served on occasions such as Eid, festivals, weddings, and other special functions. It is one of the popular crowd-pleasers. The next time you order takeaway, be sure to look for Beef Kala Bhuna.
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Khichuri
One of the most popular dishes in Bangladesh is khichuri, which is also one of the country’s best comfort foods. It is very simple to make, as all you have to do is add the rice, lentils, vegetables, spices, and onion (best made with red onions), and cook slowly until it is yellow. Then, you can serve it with mashed potatoes or whatever other sides you prefer.
Khichuri is typically consumed on rainy days. It is best enjoyed with a fried eggplant, onions, green chillies, and egg omelette side, and even with pickles. It's accompanied with meat curries like beef or chicken curries. It is now very popular in the UK as well.
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Kachchi Biryani
The most popular South Asian dish is biryani. "Kachchi" means raw. Because unlike other types of biryani, the meat here is marinated with spices before being placed in the cooking pot unbaked.
The rice is layered with meat cooked to perfection on top, after being washed and mixed with a variety of seasonings. Potatoes can be added to the mixture at different layers to add flavour and body to Kachchi Biriyani.
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Seekh Kebab with naan bread
While walking in the streets of Bangladesh, you will surely encounter shops selling various kebabs. Seekh kebab is one of the most popular ones. It has such an enticing smell that it will be very tough for you to walk past without having a taste of it. Because of the unmatched popularity of Seekh kebab, now you can easily order it online from restaurants in your locality.
It is typically made with a mixture of ground mutton or beef, along with an aromatic blend of spices. It forms a dough-like consistency, which is wrapped around a skewer and cooked over hot coals. It is cooked until a dark crust forms around it, while the insides remain soft and tender. It is best served with soft, simple naan bread or paratha. You can add a side of mint sauce or a fresh salad to enhance the taste further.
People all around the world love this dish. Thanks to its popularity, you can easily find it online in restaurants near you in the UK.
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Mughlai Paratha
Mughlai paratha is a popular street food in Bangladesh. But this delectable snack originated from the court of Emperor Jahangir. As the name suggests, yes, it is Mughlai fare. It is a stuffed paratha. However, the twist here is that the filling is prepared using a combination of minced mutton, eggs, ghee, and other Mughal spices.
This dish was typically prepared for sudden dinners in the royal court. Because it was not time-consuming to prepare, yet retained the typical Mughal taste, it became a standard in the Mughal court.
It is fried in oil and served with salad, pickles, and mint chutney. Mughlai paratha can be easily ordered online in UK from any local Bangladeshi restaurant.
- Haleem
In many parts of Asia, Ramadan is not complete without haleem. It is a food staple during the month in nearly every home. Haleem has its origins in the tenth century. It originated in the Middle East and was subsequently taken to Central Asia and numerous other Muslim nations. One of the reasons the food is so popular during Ramadan is that it's full of energy and fibre.
The primary ingredients used for haleem are meat or mutton, wheat or barley, and lentils, along with other spices. Besides the protein from meat, it is high in energy, fibre, and carbohydrates from the grains and pulses.
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Sweet Yoghurt Drink with Saffron
After a big dinner at the wedding, this drink, made with sweet yoghurt and a blend of spices, helps keep your stomach feeling a little lighter while refreshing you. It facilitates digestion. Incorporating a small amount of saffron gives this beverage a delightful flavour and a gorgeous outside colour.
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Prawn Malai Curry
Prawn Malai Curry or "Chingri Malai Curry" in Bengali, is one of the widely popular dishes along the coast of Bengal. It is made with alluring coconut milk and pungent spices, together with the prawns. It is savoured in Bangladesh during weddings and family gatherings.
You don’t need an occasion to indulge in this elaborate curry. Make sure to order prawn malai curry the next time you decide to binge over the weekend.
To sum up
Bangladeshi food is flavorful and bold. Every dish has its own story to tell. But these nine dishes are delicious and truly reflect the essence of Bangladeshi food. So the next time you order takeaway in the UK, do not forget to include these dishes and spice up your weekend.
